Psychological Science, B.A.

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Psychological Science Major

The psychological science major is designed to provide students with flexibility in the selection of courses to meet their individual interests and career goals. Students must meet with a psychological science faculty advisor during the first semester following the declaration of psychological science as their major to design a program of coursework based on their individual needs. All students must meet with a faculty advisor in subsequent semesters for assistance in career planning and course selections to meet degree requirements. For students planning to pursue graduate study in psychology, the department strongly recommends a broad and balanced program of applied and theoretical courses with careful planning to meet the requirements for admission to graduate schools in psychology. In addition, such students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of required courses, including advanced courses that involve the opportunity for independent or supervised research. The department offers a variety of special topics (PSY 494) classes. Recent topics have included “Image of Psychology in Film,” “Drug Policy,” “Psychology of Religion,” and “Neuroscience Seminar.” Students should consult the schedule of classes each semester for information about available special topics classes.

All psychological science majors must complete the requirements listed below for the major plus the additional credit hours required for either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree.

Elective (13 credits)

Select five PSY courses (must total at least 13 credit hours). At least three of these courses must be at the 300 or 400 level. Optional two-credit-hour laboratory classes also may be included in this category.

Additional Requirements (3-6 credits)

Students who wish to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in psychological science must complete either track A or B listed below:

Track A (6 credits)

A minimum of 6 credit hours in the same foreign language or its equivalent. This requirement is in addition to current general education requirements, so students cannot use these foreign language courses to meet the Foundation of Knowledge Culture and Creativity requirement.

Track B (3 credits)

Successful completion of 3 credit hours in a study-abroad program approved by the NKU Office of Education Abroad. The course does not have to be in psychology. If the study abroad course is in psychology, then it may also count as an elective for the major (included in the 13 hours of elective credits).